Koktebel is one of the most beautiful resorts in Crimea. Koktebel beach is surrounded by mountains. Koktebel has a beautiful renovated embankment with cafes, a pebble beach, clear sea, the majestic Kara-Dag Mountain and the Golden Gate Arch.
We came to Koktebel on our own, rented a hotel room by the sea, walked every day, visited all the beaches, ate in restaurants, and went on a sea excursion. We'll tell you what's interesting here, what the current situation is like, whether it's worth vacationing here, and most importantly, our impressions of this resort.
Hotels in Koktebel. Where to stay by the sea
It is better to book accommodation in Koktebel in advance. There are many options, but during the season all decent hotels near the beach are busy, since there are a lot of tourists relaxing here. This is especially noticeable after Feodosia. In the first hours we were absolutely shocked by how many people fit on the narrow beaches.
The entire area along the sea is well developed, there are cafes and shops everywhere. It really smells like a full-fledged holiday by the sea and the mood in Koktebel is appropriate. However, the right (western) part of the beach is more developed and well maintained. There are several boarding houses in the central part.
Housing prices are average in Crimea. For 1.5-2 thousand rubles you can rent a room from your grandmother, and for 3-4 thousand rubles you can get a normal hotel room. Consider these options:
- Hotel White Griffin
- Mini-Hotel Galeon
- Art Hotel Koktebel
- Hotel Prohlada Inn
- Guesthouse Favorite
We stayed at the Galleon Hotel. For 3,400 rubles ($55) per day we lived 2 steps from the beach. Our room had a balcony, air conditioning, hot water, internet. There is a swimming pool on the territory of the mini-hotel. We wrote more about our housing in a separate article.
Myths and facts from the past - history
No one can say when Koktebel was “born”. It is believed that back in the first century BC, ancient people lived here, then they were replaced by various tribes. After the Pecheneg raid, life in this place froze for a century.
In the 20th century, the territory became the property of the scientist E. A. Junge. It was he who began to develop Koktebel, but the meager financial situation did not allow him to turn his ideas into reality.
After the death of the academician, the lands in this part of Crimea began to “sell like hot cakes.” Dachas were built, poets and artists bought houses. One of them was M. Voloshin. Here he was inspired and famous works were born. The poet fell in love with Koktebel with all his heart.
Today, on the territory of the village there is a house-museum of Voloshin, which is unique not only for the preserved work of the artist and poet, but also because it was visited at different times by A. Green, Bulgakov and other gurus of literature and art.
Currently, Koktebel is a popular resort village where you can not only relax comfortably, but also improve your health.
Beaches of Koktebel
All beaches are approximately the same. The beach has pebbles, small stones, and sand in places. It hurts to walk barefoot, there are also stones at the bottom. For comfortable swimming, immediately buy coral slippers. They can be ordered online or found locally.
Purely. There is no garbage either on the beach or in the sea. We were pleasantly surprised that Crimea had become so clean. There are no more trash cans in the corners. All tourists responsibly dispose of their trash in numerous trash bins.
You can find shade, although there are no palm trees or any trees on the shore. To protect from the sun, umbrellas are installed and fabric awnings are stretched. On the left side of the beach, where the boarding houses are, entire structures have been built to create shade. After 17:00 the beach is completely in the shade.
There are sometimes small waves, but more often the sea is completely calm. On such days the water becomes clear.
All beaches are free. Payment only for sun loungers (100 rubles per hour or 250 per day). Some hotels have coupons for free sunbeds. At our hotel, at the reception they gave us a piece of paper with which you can use a sunbed for free. There are lifeguards, they are also in charge of the sun loungers.
Beautiful views. On the right is Mount Karadag. And on the left you can see Cape Chameleon. As soon as we saw this mountain, there were no words to describe how such a view has a magnetic effect on a person! On both sides of the long Koktebel beach, the views are, without exaggeration, stunning!
On the left side of the beach at the very end at the foot of the mountain they set up tents and live like savages.
Stories, routes and tourist tips
It’s very easy to get inspired to explore the surroundings of Koktebel: the stories of vacationers are full of colorful photos and enthusiastic epithets about the local beauties. Using them, you can find out how much you like the resort weather in a particular month, choose the most tempting places and, taking into account the recommendations, create your own trip. Useful information is also provided in our city guide.
- Yulia’s photo album about the blooming spring Karadag “On the paths of the south-eastern Crimea”
- Photo album Magdalena happiness about the sea walk “Myths and Legends of Karadag...”
- The story “Crimea” by Masha Malinovskaya about a journey around the outskirts of Koktebel.
All tourist reviews about Koktebel on Tourister. RU
Photo: © Masha Malinovskaya
Nudist beach in Koktebel
In the eastern part of the region near Cape Yunge there is the most famous nudist beach in Crimea. Any tourist can sunbathe without a swimsuit here for free. And there are not many people.
The beach is good primarily because it is located on the main beach of Koktebel and you don’t have to climb anywhere on rocks to get there. Infrastructure within walking distance. This is probably the most comfortable beach for nudists in Crimea. Mark on the map
Karadagsky reserve
Mount Kara-Dag
Karadag Nature Reserve was founded in 1979 with the goal of protecting unique natural sites. Including the remains of volcanoes. Biologists, geologists and zoologists were interested in creating a protected area. Thanks to them, we have the opportunity to enjoy the unique natural resources of Koktebel and its environs, not destroyed by man. The flora of the reserve alone numbers about 9 thousand species of flora.
Read more about the Karadag Nature Reserve here
More on the topic:
Nature of Crimea
Embankment
There is a beautiful promenade along the entire beach. Many restaurants overlooking the sea. Several breakwaters and berths for excursion ships. Every now and then you can hear endless cries of inviting, but not pestering, excursion sellers. During the day they sell souvenirs, paintings and pasties here, tell fortunes by reading their hands, and what not.
In the evening, on the embankment, the whole life of the resort is concentrated. Musicians perform. Crowds of tourists walk and take pictures, music plays from every restaurant, the smell of the sea and barbecue smells.
Closer to night, a lunar path appears in the sea.
A factory for the production of fine wines and cognac in Koktebel was opened back in 1958. Every year, about 200 thousand deciliters of production material were processed within its walls. The most popular drinks were collection and vintage cognacs: “Koktebel”, “Crimea” and “Kutuzov”. There are similar production facilities in Inkerman and Novy Svet.
This is interesting: barrels of wine are placed in numerous sixty-meter tunnels carved into the rock.
What to see in Koktebel
- On the embankment, at every step, tourists are offered a boat trip to the Golden Gate Arch. The excursion costs 800 rubles. It's interesting to go. Read our review.
Video from the boat trip:
- Observation deck at Cape Yunge. 360 degree view. On the map
- The Koktebel Dolphinarium and Water Park will be of interest to vacationers with children.
- For mountain lovers there are routes along Kara Dag and to Cape Chameleon. There is also Tikhaya Bay with wild beaches.
- Excursions to the embankment are sold throughout Crimea. All major attractions up to Bakhchisarai and Sevastopol can be visited.
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How the village lives
Koktebel is located 20 km from Feodosia and is part of it. This is the eastern coast of the Crimean peninsula. If you want to relax quietly, enjoy quiet and cozy evenings, then this is not the place for you. This resort village is a favorite place not only for young people, but also for married couples. There are always a lot of people here and a lot of entertainment, the infrastructure is well developed.
And for children, Koktebel is simply a paradise, because there is a water park, a dolphinarium, and many other adventures.
Background information: Population: 2955 people; Length: 0.817 km square; Index: 298186
Koktebel has well-developed transport links with neighboring Feodosia; many local residents go there to work every day. There is a shopping center where you can buy clothes, groceries and other necessities. ATMs, Internet cafes, a first-aid post and pharmacies are also available to vacationers.
You can have a delicious meal in any restaurant, canteen and cafe. In the summer season there are simply a huge number of them.
It is customary to hold various rallies and festivals in the village. For example, an international dance festival.
Where to eat in Koktebel. Prices for food in cafes
There are many cafes on the embankment and almost all of them are in the mid-price category. There are a couple of restaurants where everything is 2 times more expensive, but you can immediately see them from the empty hall. The best places to eat on a budget are in canteens.
We had lunch at several restaurants on the shore. Our average bill in Crimea is 1000-1200 rubles for two for 2 dishes with two side dishes and drinks.
Based on our experience, we can recommend the Seventh Heaven cafe. On the first day we had lunch there. The second floor has an amazing view. The dishes arrived quickly and the food was delicious. And the prices are the same as everywhere else. Our order: shish kebab, fish frying pan, mashed potatoes, country-style potatoes, beer, juice. Bill: 1200 rub. A point on the map
We also ate at the Bogdan cafe several times. Fast service, beautiful presentation, delicious dishes, sea view, reasonable prices. A point on the map. Here is a photo of the menu and what we ordered:
Museum of "Nature of Kara-Dag"
Museum of “Nature of Kara-Dag”
One of the most interesting and educational places in Koktebel, dedicated to the nature of the extinct volcano Kara-Dag. By the seventies of the last century, about 1000 different exhibits were collected on the territory of the complex. Including stuffed feathered inhabitants of these places and animals. The museum regularly held educational lectures and seminars by scientists whose names were quite well known even outside the Crimean peninsula.
The halls of the museum display mountain and volcanic rocks, rare representatives of the flora and fauna, and inhabitants of the Crimea.
- Address: st. Nauki, 24, Kurortnoye
- Telephone: +7 36562 2‑62-12
Where to buy Crimean wines and other alcohol
There is one right on the embankment. We bought wine here several times. The prices are practically not inflated, literally by 20-30 rubles. Sellers are happy to advise. You can pay by card. A point on the map
But in the store at the end of the embankment on Paratroopers Street, prices for wine, drinks and food are exactly 2 times higher. Apparently, it is designed for tourists who are on their first day in Crimea and are not yet getting their bearings. For example, a bottle of “Ancient Chersonese” costs 600 rubles there (the real price is 350-400).
M. Voloshin Museum
Voloshin Museum
In the house of Maximilian Voloshin, the museum was created in 1984, completely recreating all the conditions and environment in which the poet lived. Today, the house of the great poet houses a library, a study and a living room. Collections of gems, dried plants, and sea shells are no less interesting.
- Address: Morskaya st., 43, Koktebel,
- Phones: +7 36562 2‑45-06, +7 36562 2‑44-37
I recommend: take a tour guide. This way you can learn more interesting things about Voloshin’s life and work. About his friends entering the house.
Reviews
We really liked the cocktail. A chic place in Crimea. If we compare it with Feodosia, then Koktebel is definitely better for relaxation and more exotic in terms of natural attractions.
Koktebel is one big fragment from a good and kind Soviet film. Music, smells, people, the nature around you and even the entertainment that you enjoyed as a child are still here.
But at the same time, many decent modern restaurants and hotels have appeared. Many establishments accept cards for payment. Locals and tourists ride electric scooters along the embankment. The embankment itself has recently been renovated. Everywhere is clean and well-groomed.
+Pros
You can highlight stunning views, a well-kept embankment, and a minimum of rusty structures on the beach. It is important to note that the city itself is not mountainous, but the mountains are close. The combination of everything that any tourist expects from his vacation is concentrated in Koktebel.
-Minuses
Some remoteness and inconvenience to get to, a beach with stones (like most in Crimea), inflated prices in some stores. The disadvantages are insignificant, especially when such a reward awaits you upon arrival!
Helpful information
From Simferopol to the resort 120 km. The nearest large settlement is Feodosia (distance – 21 km). Regular buses go from these cities to Koktebel. If you travel from the Crimean capital by car, the journey will take approximately two hours. The village is located directly on the seashore, so it is easy to walk from most guest houses and boarding houses to the beach.
The holiday season officially opens in May and lasts until October. It is better to book places in advance, as there are many vacationers in Koktebel in the summer.
Observation deck “Starfall of Memories”
Observation deck “Starfall of Memories”
The site is located at the highest point of the Barakolskaya valley, at an altitude of about 400 meters. The largest influx of tourists to the Starfall of Memories is recorded at the end of summer, in August. The reason is solid: at this time the so-called Perseid meteor shower passes over the planet. And according to legend, if you look at a shooting star from the observation deck and have time to make a wish, your dream will definitely come true.
Read more about Starfall of Memories here
Arch "Golden Gate"
The rock formation in the Black Sea has long been considered a kind of calling card not only of Koktebel, but of the entire Crimea. The arch is located in the waters of the Kara-Dag massif. There are many stories and legends around this place. It is believed that if you swim under the gate, you will have good luck throughout your life. Perhaps that is why there are so many boats, pleasure boats and so on around.
I recommend: a boat trip from Feodosia to Kara-Dag on the ship Mikhail Svetlov.
Cape Chameleon
One of the most beautiful and mysterious capes of Crimea. A cape located near Koktebel separates Quiet Bay from Koktebel. The main feature of these places is the change in color of land and water depending on the time of year and day. Cape Chameleon is capable of changing color shade several times a day. A very beautiful, impressive spectacle that even locals come to see. Naturally, there is nothing mysterious or mystical here. It's just that the special composition of the shale rock displays the sun's glare differently. As a result, such a play of light is created.
Read more about Cape Chameleon here
